RIch, Nathaniel (6 January 2016). "The Lawyer Who Became Dupont's Worst Nightmare". The New York Times . Retrieved 7 January 2016. In the 1990s, it was found that PTFE could be radiation cross-linked above its melting point in an oxygen-free environment. [13] Electron beam processing is one example of radiation processing. Cross-linked PTFE has improved high-temperature mechanical properties and radiation stability. That was significant because, for many years, irradiation at ambient conditions has been used to break down PTFE for recycling. [14] This radiation-induced chain scission allows it to be more easily reground and reused. These retain the useful PTFE properties of low friction and nonreactivity, but are also more easily formable. For example, FEP is softer than PTFE and melts at 533K (260°C; 500°F); it is also highly transparent and resistant to sunlight. [81] See also [ edit ] Fluoropolymer PTFE coating services from Surface Technology UK". Surface Technology . Retrieved 26 February 2018. What is the difference between PFOA, PFOS and GenX and other replacement PFAS?". PFOA, PFOS and Other PFASs. EPA. 18 February 2018.

As a result of a class-action lawsuit and community settlement with DuPont, three epidemiologists conducted studies on the population surrounding a chemical plant that was exposed to PFOA at levels greater than in the general population. The studies concluded that there was an association between PFOA exposure and six health outcomes: kidney cancer, testicular cancer, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), and pregnancy-induced hypertension. [74] Beekman, M.; etal. (12 December 2016). "Evaluation of substances used in the GenX technology by Chemours, Dordrecht". National Institute for Public Health and the Environment ( RIVM, The Netherlands) . Retrieved 23 July 2017. Lerner, Sharon (3 March 2016). "New Teflon Toxin Causes Cancer in Lab Animals". The Intercept . Retrieved 14 December 2018.Teflon-coated bullets are coated with PTFE to reduce wear on the rifling of firearms that uncoated projectiles would cause. PTFE itself does not give a projectile an armor-piercing property. [53] Trudel D, Horowitz L, Wormuth M, Scheringer M, Cousins IT, Hungerbühler K (April 2008). "Estimating consumer exposure to PFOS and PFOA". Risk Anal. 28 (2): 251–69. doi: 10.1111/j.1539-6924.2008.01017.x. PMID 18419647. S2CID 10777081. While PTFE is stable at lower temperatures, it begins to deteriorate at temperatures of about 260°C (500°F), it decomposes above 350°C (662°F), and pyrolysis occurs at temperatures above 400°C (752°F). [61] The main decomposition products are fluorocarbon gases and a sublimate, including tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and difluorocarbene radicals (RCF2). [61] The brand name Zepel was used for promoting its stain-resistance and water-resistance when applied to fabrics. [12] a b Sun, J.Z.; etal. (1994). "Modification of polytetrafluoroethylene by radiation—1. Improvement in high temperature properties and radiation stability". Radiat. Phys. Chem. 44 (6): 655–679. Bibcode: 1994RaPC...44..655S. doi: 10.1016/0969-806X(94)90226-7.

Many bicycle lubricants and greases contain PTFE and are used on chains and other moving parts subjected to frictional forces (such as hub bearings). Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was accidentally discovered in 1938 by Roy J. Plunkett while he was working in New Jersey for DuPont. As Plunkett attempted to make a new chlorofluorocarbon refrigerant, the tetrafluoroethylene gas in its pressure bottle stopped flowing before the bottle's weight had dropped to the point signaling "empty". Since Plunkett was measuring the amount of gas used by weighing the bottle, he became curious as to the source of the weight, and finally resorted to sawing the bottle apart. He found the bottle's interior coated with a waxy white material that was oddly slippery. Analysis showed that it was polymerized perfluoroethylene, with the iron from the inside of the container having acted as a catalyst at high pressure. [4] Kinetic Chemicals patented the new fluorinated plastic (analogous to the already known polyethylene) in 1941, [5] and registered the Teflon trademark in 1945. [6] [7] Expanded PTFE membranes have been used in trials to assist trabeculectomy surgery to treat glaucoma. [50] Manufacturing Polytetrafluoroethylene". Introduction to Fluoropolymers. William Andrew. 2013. pp.91–124. doi: 10.1016/B978-1-4557-7442-5.00007-3. ISBN 9781455774425.Gore-Tex is a brand of expanded PTFE (ePTFE), a material incorporating a fluoropolymer membrane with micropores. The roof of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, US, was one of the largest applications of PTFE coatings. 20 acres (81,000m 2) of the material was used in the creation of the white double-layered PTFE-coated fiberglass dome. Make sure you maintain your tools by performing regular maintenance tasks like grinding or sharpening. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions while you’re doing this. This section contains a list of miscellaneous information. Please relocate any relevant information into other sections or articles. ( August 2023)